Editing Dusk and Dawn

This story, part of the community effort on the [[Emperor's Nightmare]] chapter, depicts a coordinated strike by both Primus and Secundus upon a dangerous Ork encampment.
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Four days, seventeen minutes, twenty three seconds.

Twenty four.

Twenty five.

Such was the time the Sixth Company of the Emperor’s Nightmare had spend in waiting, with a full 60 Marines, hiding in the shadows of a Jungle. The Orks had cleared many trees, and even now, their rickety machines were hard at work expanding their base. For four days, the Nightmare had waited. Until now.

“We’ve received confirmation from the Endless Vigil. Orbital Supremacy has been achieved for the time being, with Ork reinforcements due in system within three days,” a Secundus Sergeant voxed Captain Nyseos.

The Captain reacted instantly, “Weapon status confirm.”

Despite the days of silence, of so many hours spent in unnatural poses and tense concentration, All of Sixth Company responded within two seconds, confirmation runes blinking into place at the Nyseo’s tactical screen.

“Ready all weapons, on my mark, fire for effect, focus on making it as bright as possible, don’t worry about kills. The Dusk has passed, and the night is waning Brothers. Bring the Dawn!”

Tense moments passed as every Marine lined up their shots.

“…Mark.”

The Ork Camp exploded into chaos as massed rounds from Darkflare Rifles punched through green hides and exposed munitions, sending hundreds ablaze. But that was not the point of the attack, the specially coated Darkflare solution released a burst of radiation that was used to paint targets for Gunships. But with constant salvos from no less than six full Nightmare squads, the flames reached new heights as all of Sixth Company vanished into safer regions.

“Paint confirmed Lord-Captain,” alerted a Nightmare crew member. Aboard the Strike Cruiser Endless Vigil, the Captain allowed a tight grin at the report.

“Bombardment Cannon is ready Lord-Captain,” read another worker.

“Fire.”

Magma Bombs tore through the skies, their hellish payload screaming down to erupt at the feet of the confused Orks. Though the aliens were widely considered fearless, even they knew not how to react. As they stumbled through the nightmare that had become their new home, a few looked to the skies with their crude weapons, as though meager and inaccurate shoota rounds could stave off the Emperor’s Fury.

“What’ze you’ze all doin!? We gotz a Waaaaagh to win! Say it wit’ me, WAAAAAA-”

The lone Warboss cut off his warcry as a Drop Pod crushed him beneath its cargo before a squad of Primus Marines burst forth from its doors.

As Bolter fire poured forth like rain, every Marine began to chant “We are the Guardians of the Deep! We bring the Emperor’s Light to the Blackest Night! We are the Dawn, and we find you wanting!”


[[Category:Emperor's Nightmare]]